Lisa McDonald

A clean way to clean green technology—novel method removes dust from solar panels using electrostatic induction

By Lisa McDonald / March 15, 2022

Cleaning solar panels currently is estimated to use about 10 billion gallons of water per year—enough to supply drinking water for up to 2 million people. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology designed a waterless approach for dust removal from solar panels using electrostatic induction.

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Ceramic and glass business news of the week for March 14, 2022

By Lisa McDonald / March 14, 2022

SCHOTT and Hungarian government invest in cutting-edge syringe production, Ford will split into EV and combustion divisions, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for March 14, 2022.

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Ceramic characterization reveals the practices of a late medieval brass foundry

By Lisa McDonald / March 11, 2022

Historical research on the trade of metal supplies and objects often overshadows studies on the practices, recipes, and supplies of clays used by metallurgists of the time. Researchers in Belgium and France characterized metallurgical ceramic samples from the remains of a Late Medieval Period foundry in Brussels and found the analyses, in conjunction with written sources, highlight the mobility of clay materials, not just metal.

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Video: 2021 Brick in Architecture Awards demonstrate brick’s ‘infinite’ design versatility

By Lisa McDonald / March 9, 2022

Since 1989, the Brick Industry Association has sponsored the Brick in Architecture Awards to recognize exceptional uses of clay brick in architecture. The 49 global winners for the 2021 awards include entries spanning the United States, Australia, Canada, and Mexico.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / March 9, 2022

A sieve for molecules, making DEI an integral part of physics education, and other materials stories that may be of interest for March 9, 2022.

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Full ceramic electrodes epitomize next step for fused filament fabrication of lithium-ion batteries

By Lisa McDonald / March 8, 2022

While fused filament fabrication has the potential to fabricate lithium-ion batteries with tailored geometries, the high amount of polymer often included in the electrodes can limit application. University of Castilla-La Mancha researchers attempted the required debinding/sintering treatment to achieve full ceramic electrodes via this additive manufacturing method.

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Ceramic and glass business news of the week for March 7, 2022

By Lisa McDonald / March 7, 2022

ENGIE and O-I drive green electricity transformation in Europe, USGS updates critical minerals list, and more ceramic and glass business news of the week for March 7, 2022.

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Composite showdown—technological developments could lower carbon fiber composites’ environmental impact

By Lisa McDonald / March 4, 2022

Currently, replacing conventional materials with carbon fiber-reinforced polymers typically increases life cycle energy use due to the energy-intensive fiber production process. A new prospective life cycle assessment suggests certain technological developments could lead to carbon fiber composites with lower environmental impact than glass fiber composites.

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Video: ‘Dance Your Ph.D.’ contest offers creative approach to science communication

By Lisa McDonald / March 2, 2022

Visual and nonverbal communication methods are a great tool to help scientists make their science more accessible to a wider audience. The annual Dance Your Ph.D. contest run by AAAS and Science provides an opportunity for students to practice using these powerful tools.

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Other materials stories that may be of interest

By Lisa McDonald / March 2, 2022

EV battery recycling, inorganic borophene liquid crystals, and other materials stories that may be of interest for March 2, 2022.

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